Parameter Optimization of Geogrid-Reinforced Foundations Based on Model Experiments and Numerical Simulations

Abstract

Dynamic compaction and geogrid reinforcement are two of the well-known methods used in improving the mechanical properties of fill foundations. In order to investigate their mutual restriction when used simultaneously and optimize the design parameters, model experiments and numerical simulations were conducted. First, three factors (embedded ratio of reinforced geogrid, number of reinforced layers and interval of reinforced layers) that are related to performance of reinforced geogrid were analyzed by model experiments with dynamic compaction. Then, orthogonal analysis was performed by numerical simulation (dynamic analysis in FLAC3D) to take into account five different elastic moduli and internal angle of friction along with the aforementioned three factors. Last, range analysis and variance analysis were performed on the orthogonal results to optimize the five factors by the calculated indicators. Additionally, linear regression analysis reflecting the relationships between five factors and four indicators was presented. The displacement field, compaction effect, earth pressure, and geogrid deformation of the reinforced soil under different combinations of the five factors were explored. Experiment and simulation results provide practical guides to the design of reinforced methods and a reference for the stability and deformation of other earth reinforcement projects under dynamic loads.

Keywords

• model experiment
• dynamic analysis
• parameter optimization
• range analysis
• linear regression